I’m going to follow Pavlo Starykov’s article on using epoxy adhesive (among other things) for a marble tile shower on a membrane pan. In his linked video he suggests using the Superiorbilt premium notch trowel (made by Custom) and then knocking down the ridges before laying the tile.
I can’t find that trowel anywhere. Is the trowel shape really going to make that big of a difference when doing the knockdown? If not, then I’m inclined to just stick with a standard U shaped trowel. What do you think?
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Image grab from Starykov’s youtube video
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Looking for options on what color to paint this wall. I have a bathroom behind me that has forest green tile and a little kitchenette with gray/green cabinets.
Should I just stick with white or should I go for a different color?

Hello there. In previous posts, I've talked about how faction territories are generated and settlements placed. Today's topic is about how roads are calculated and generated on the world map in Outpostia. What do I know about roads? Not much, well, there are different kinds of roads - bigger and smaller, faster and slower, better and cheaper, and they connect something. But what exactly? Seems like, first you need to decide what you want to connect with what, as at this point we have multiple factions, each of them having capitals, cities, and countless outposts and villages. Today we would be speaking only about land routes, so we naturally only check settlements inside one continent or island. Still, there is not much sense to connect "everything with everything": it would take forever and will look gross.
We are going to start with the easiest part: I think we all could agree that there must be some kind of "interstates" or roads connecting different factions and their capitals. So should we connect every capital with each other? The answer is tricky, as in real life you are likely to go from A to B to C rather than from A to C. And once again algorithms are going to take their toll on our mental health: capitals also could be grouped into clusters/trees/graphs and there are ready to use centuries-old algorithms to calculate the best ways inside such things. I've decided to stick to the Minimum Spanning Tree (from the C# QuikGraph lib) as it's one of the most popular things to use and one of the easiest explanations of the MST algorithms itself is... "imagine you have a bunch of cities, and you want to connect them all with roads in the most efficient way possible". So basically I'm inserting data into the algorithm, it tells me what to connect, and somehow (I'll explain it at the end of the post) I calculate the exact route from A to B and set road tiles on the world map.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_spanning_tree
The only main caveat here is in the name of the algorithm: Minimal. So there most likely will be only one or two "hub" capitals, while we would like to have more of a web of roads, because if we are generating randomly hostile factions, it would be funny if friendly factions will appear to be connected only through the hostile one.
Capital roads - placed roads using only MST
So maybe we should exchange our algorithm for something else? Once again we are using a very old problem and solution: the Traveling Salesman Problem, which asks the question "Given a list of cities and the distances between each pair of cities, what is the shortest possible route that visits each city exactly once and returns to the origin city?".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travelling_salesman_problem
And looking at the exemplary graph, it appears that is exactly what we are missing, but let's try to apply it: again I'm feeding the data to the library and it gives me an answer (after about an hour of frustration because I had to manually add the data as both ways - from A to B and from B to A).
Capital roads - placed roads using only TSP
Yeah, seems like both of them have their problems, as the second one will not connect nearest cities and only cares about the condition of traversing through the settlement only once. Should we consider using some other algorithms, maybe Minimal Spatial Forest instead of Minimal Spatial Tree? Maybe, but being a lazy person I've decided to combine the output of two algorithms taking unique combinations from both of them, because otherwise, I would have to write my own algorithm and the psychotherapy just costs too much.
Capital roads - placed roads using both algorithms
But it seems like it works well and we have successfully connected entire continents by quite efficient roads. But what about other settlements? Well, there are many ways to implement that, but I've decided to iterate through every settlement within a faction (except a capital) and connect it to the nearest bigger settlement. That would mean that a city will connect to a big city and an outpost will connect to a village (or bigger settlement if it's closer). Ok, there is always room for improvement, like fixing some strange errors related to the libraries usage resulting in empty output, or having sometimes nearby cities of some hierarchy connected only to the capital but not to each other, but those are fixable things. Also in my solution lesser settlements tend to have worse roads, like an outpost will have only a dirt road.
All generated roads
But how exactly do you generate the road itself? One good way to generate roads is to place them naturally, like in real life: people tend to walk where it's easiest, roads tend to be constructed where it's easier. So naturally we will need to find some pathfinding algorithm, declare that "roads are faster, forests are slower" and in the end, we will have a nice solution, where everything is connected quite efficiently, while lesser roads tend to "pour in" into bigger ones and omit forests on their way if it's reasonable. I've decided towards A* pathfinding algorithms, because I already had it implemented, but there are better solutions, which calculate better paths resulting in better roads. For my solution, I also had to add a bit of randomness to the pathfinding calculations so the roads will turn a little and look more natural.
Turning roads
That's almost everything I wanted to do for now on the world map besides mountains and rivers, but for mountains you could use the same noise patterns from my first post, while rivers could be placed from the highest point (mountain) to the lowest (ocean) using the same algorithms as roads.
In the next parts, I'm going to tell you about how I procedurally generate settlement, building, and room layouts in the game itself. Stay tuned.

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When it comes to kitchen renovations, the idea of luxury often conjures images of extravagant expenses. However, achieving a superior quality kitchen without breaking the bank is entirely possible, even in the picturesque town of Port Macquarie. This guide will show you how to transform your kitchen into a designer kitchen while sticking to a budget. By focusing on strategic planning and smart choices, you can enjoy a stunning kitchen that combines both elegance and affordability.

The Appeal of Kitchen Renovations in Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie, known for its beautiful coastal scenery and relaxed lifestyle, is a popular location for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces. A kitchen renovation not only improves the functionality and aesthetic of your home but also adds significant value to your property. With the right approach, you can create a space that is both luxurious and cost-effective.

Planning Your Budget-Friendly Designer Kitchen

Assess Your Needs and Set a Budget

The first step in any kitchen renovation is to assess your needs and set a realistic budget. Determine which aspects of your kitchen need the most attention. Are you looking for more storage, better lighting, or a complete overhaul? Setting a clear budget will help you prioritize your expenses and make informed decisions.

Research and Gather Inspiration

Before you start your renovation, spend time researching and gathering inspiration. Look at magazines, online platforms like Pinterest, and visit local showrooms in Port Macquarie. This will give you a clear idea of the styles and features you like. Create a vision board to help you stay focused on your desired outcome.

Choose Quality Materials

One of the keys to achieving a luxurious look on a budget is to choose quality materials that are also affordable. Consider materials that offer durability and aesthetic appeal without the high price tag. For example, quartz countertops can provide the look of natural stone at a lower cost. Similarly, laminate or vinyl flooring can mimic the appearance of hardwood or tile.

Smart Design Choices for a Superior Quality Kitch

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Maximize Existing Layout

Rather than opting for a complete reconfiguration of your kitchen layout, which can be costly, try to work within the existing framework. Focus on updating the elements within the current layout, such as cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. This approach can save you a substantial amount of money while still delivering a fresh new look.

Upgrade Cabinets and Hardware

Cabinets are a significant focal point in any kitchen. If your cabinets are in good condition, consider giving them a facelift rather than replacing them. Painting or refacing cabinets can drastically change their appearance at a fraction of the cost. Adding new hardware, such as handles and knobs, can also elevate the overall look of your kitchen.

Invest in Quality Fixtures

Fixtures like faucets and lighting play a crucial role in defining the style of your kitchen. Investing in high-quality fixtures can make a big impact without a huge expense. Look for stylish yet affordable options that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen.

Incorporating Affordable Luxury

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Stylish Backsplashes

A stylish backsplash can add a touch of luxury to your kitchen. Consider materials like subway tiles, which are both affordable and timeless. For a more unique look, explore options like peel-and-stick tiles or budget-friendly mosaic tiles.

Open Shelving and Glass Front Cabinets

Open shelving and glass front cabinets can create an airy, modern look in your kitchen. They are also a cost-effective way to display your dishware and add personality to your space. By reducing the number of upper cabinets, you can save on material costs and create a more open feel.

Multi-functional Islands

A kitchen island can serve multiple purposes, from additional prep space to casual dining. Instead of custom-built islands, consider pre-made options or repurpose an existing piece of furniture. Adding an island can increase the functionality and luxury of your kitchen without a hefty price tag.

Hiring Local Expertise in Port Macquarie

Seek Professional Advice

While a DIY approach can save money, consulting with a local kitchen designer or contractor in Port Macquarie can provide valuable insights and help avoid costly mistakes. Professionals can offer advice on the best materials, layouts, and design elements to achieve a luxurious look within your budget.

Get Multiple Quotes

When hiring professionals, it’s important to get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Compare the services, materials, and timelines offered by different contractors to make an informed decision. This step can help you find the right balance between quality and cost.

Contact Pacific Designer Bathrooms for Your Kitchen Renovation in Port Macquarie

If you're ready to transform your Kitchen into a dream space, contact Pacific Designer Bathrooms today. Our team of experts is ready to help you create a Kitchen that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Whether you're interested in a complete renovation or a simple update, we have the skills and experience to deliver outstanding results.
Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Let us help you unlock your dream Kitchen and bring award-winning design to your home in Port Macquarie.

I feel like its so hard to glaze ceramic sculptures as it's always less it more, the more glazes you use, layering glazes, varying glaze finish, etc, the more inconsistent, over the top and tacky it looks.
I thought doing some test tiles of my crystals would help me know what to glaze my geode bowls with but I just feel as though its going to turn out badly no matter what I do? I was going to stick to using 2 glazes, one for the crystal and bowl and a darker rock like glaze for the outside of the body. I'm just so sick of putting so much work into building and sculpting only for the whole piece to be destroyed by the glaze.
Im also unsure if the breaking on the crystal edges looks good or not? I was thinking of using some underglazes on the crystals so when the glaze breaks on the texture it wouldn't look so constrasting with the white clay and vibrant glaze (eg light blue underglaze with blue glaze over). Another idea was to use black underglaze or slip on the whole thing because maybe this would make it look better?
I guess my main question is if anyone knows any artists who effectively glaze ceramic sculptures (preferably small) that I can use for inspiration, or a way to glaze sculptures effectively without so much error? Im thinking maybe ill just have to start using matte plain glazes and underglazes to decorate my pieces.
( pictures are some of my more successful glaze test tiles and the bowls im hoping to glaze at some point).
Thank you and sorry for the rant !

Wild gardening-adjacent: Helping birds see your windows so they don’t fly into them.
Because of our efforts to make our garden wildlife-friendly we get so many birds in the garden, which is a delight. Sadly, some of them also fly into our windows, and while most are stunned and are able to fly away after a little while, a few don’t make it, which is heartbreaking, especially as they are often recent fledglings.
Globally, it’s estimated that several hundred million to a billion birds are killed each year flying into windows.
If this happens with your windows too, these are some preventative measures:

• Usually, birds fly into windows because they can’t see them: They either see reflected trees and bushes; or if there is an opposite window they think they can fly on through to the sky they see on the other side of your house.
  
• You need something on or over the windows to help birds see them. This needs to be on the outside of the window - drawing the curtains or sticking things on the inside won’t stop the windows reflecting trees etc.
  
• You can get decals, fine mesh netting, UV foil to cover your entire windows, or UV-markers which birds are supposed to be able to see but not humans. Decals or marker-drawn lines need to be close together though, anything further apart and the birds will still think they can fly through the spaces between them.
  

For us, this is very much a seasonal issue, almost all bird strikes happen in late spring and early summer - perhaps it’s to do with the angle of sun and reflections, of just the numbers of young and inexperienced birds out there.
So what I’ve ended up doing in stead of the more common solutions is using blackboard markers to draw (sloppy) mandala-ish designs on the windows: it’s been about 2 weeks of sunny weather, and so far we’ve had zero strikes! (we had several in the weeks before, which prompted me to do this) So I’m fairly confident this method is working.
The blackboard marker will wash right off with water when birdstrike season is over - that does also mean it could rain off, but these windows hardly ever get direct rain - and you don’t really notice the lines much from inside during the day, though they are a lot more visible at night.